2021 elections

On Thursday 6 May 2021 a combination of local elections will take place in Colchester.

This will include the two postponed elections from May 2020: the city election; and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election.

These elections will run alongside the scheduled Essex County election. Some areas may also have parish elections, if they are contested.

It is an all-out election for Essex County, with elections across all 9 County divisions within Colchester city. The Essex County ballot paper will be white.

There is one Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for the whole of Essex. You will vote for your first choice candidate and can include a second choice. The PFCC election ballot paper will be buff.

There will be an election across all 17 city wards. With one of the three councillors up for election this year, as the city elects by thirds. For the Colchester city Council election you will vote for one candidate. Those registered in the Prettygate Ward will vote for two candidates due to an existing vacancy. The city election ballot paper will be salmon.

2021 Election timetable

Notices pertinent to each election will appear here in due course, in accordance with the timetable.

Poll cards will be dispatched in early April.

Verification and count

All votes will be verified overnight following the close of poll at 10pm on Thursday 6 May.

• Colchester city election votes will be counted that same night with the result likely to be declared in the early hours of the morning.
• Essex County election votes will be counted on the afternoon of Friday 7 May.
• PFCC election votes will be counted on the afternoon of Saturday 8 May.

Attendance at the Verifications and Counts will be via admission ticket from the Returning Officer only and will follow the legal requirements for such attendance.